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Key Points

NATO members have agreed to dramatically increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, sparking international reaction. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov publicly dismissed the potential strategic implications of this decision. The spending target will be divided between core defense and related infrastructure investments, with a review planned in 2029. US President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of burden-sharing among NATO allies, specifically calling out Spain's limited commitment.

Key Points: Lavrov Downplays NATO Defense Spending Surge Impact on Russia

  • NATO commits to 5% GDP defense spending by 2035
  • Summit in The Hague sets new military investment targets
  • Trump criticizes Spain's military spending commitment
2 min read

NATO's defence spending increase won't significantly affect Russia's security: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismisses NATO's plan to increase military expenditure, calling potential impact "insignificant"

NATO's defence spending increase won't significantly affect Russia's security: Lavrov
"I don't think it will be significant in any way - Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister"

Moscow, June 26

The goal to increase the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) military spending will not significantly impact Russia's security, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

"I don't think it will be significant in any way," Lavrov told a press conference, commenting on the impact of NATO member states' goal to increase defence expenditure to five per cent of gross domestic product by 2035.

Leaders of NATO member states concluded a two-day summit on Wednesday with a brief joint declaration committing to raise their defence spending to five per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually by 2035.

The five-paragraph statement issued on Wednesday following the high-level summit in The Hague outlined that the new spending target will be split between two key categories: 3.5 per cent for core defence and 1.5 per cent for related areas, including critical infrastructure, networks, and defence industrial capabilities.

The plan will undergo a review in 2029, taking into account the strategic environment and revised capability targets, the document added.

US President Donald Trump hailed the agreement at a press conference after the summit, asserting that Washington had long carried more than its fair share of the alliance's defence burden.

However, he singled out Spain, criticising Madrid as the only country refusing to meet its full commitment, Xinhua news agency reported.

Trump said the United States is negotiating a trade deal with Spain and warned that Madrid could be made to "pay twice as much" through trade measures.

Spain has agreed with NATO to limit its military spending to 2.1 per cent of GDP, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Sunday, ahead of the NATO summit.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
NATO's spending increase shows how Western powers are preparing for long-term confrontation. As Indians, we should focus on strengthening our own defense capabilities rather than getting drawn into these power games. Our security concerns are different - China and Pakistan pose more immediate threats to us than Russia does.
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Priya M.
Lavrov's comments sound confident, but we've seen how economic pressures can eventually weaken any nation. Remember how the Soviet Union collapsed? India should maintain good relations with both sides while protecting our interests. The West's military buildup could push Russia closer to China - something we should watch carefully. 🇮🇳
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Arjun S.
Interesting how Trump is bullying Spain over defense spending while ignoring bigger issues. This NATO drama shows why India was right to stay non-aligned. We buy weapons from both Russia and the West - let them fight while we focus on becoming atmanirbhar in defense manufacturing!
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Sunita R.
All this military spending when millions are starving in different parts of the world! 🤦‍♀️ India should use its diplomatic position to advocate for peace. We have enough problems at our borders without getting involved in NATO-Russia tensions. More dialogue, less weapons please!
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Vikram J.
Russia has survived worse sanctions and pressures. But India needs to be careful - our defense ties with Russia are important, but we can't ignore that 60% of our arms now come from Western nations. Strategic balancing is key - na idhar ka na udhar ka!
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Neha P.
The way Trump threatened Spain with trade measures is concerning. What if similar pressure is applied to India in future? We must accelerate our domestic defense production and reduce dependence on foreign weapons. Make in India isn't just a slogan - it's a necessity for our sovereignty!

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